Ingrid 03 

Theodor Severin Kittelsen made this ink drawing, Ingrid 03, in 1890. Kittelsen was a Norwegian artist known for his illustrations of fairytales and legends, often engaging with themes of nature and folklore. In this sketch, a baby is seen lying face down, seemingly asleep, with a simple cloth wrapped around her. The scene evokes a sense of vulnerability. Consider the context of late 19th-century Norway, a period of significant social and economic change, with growing concerns about public health and infant mortality. How might this image speak to those anxieties, and what are the politics of domestic imagery at this time? To truly understand the image, we would need to research the history of childcare, healthcare, and social welfare in Norway, and examine the artist's wider body of work for recurring themes and concerns. Art history involves a deep dive into social context to reveal deeper meaning.